Politics

The Vadakara teachers’ drug case has triggered political allegations because reports say two of the accused had earlier held posts in a Left-backed teachers’ organisation, and a UDF-backed federation claimed political patronage helped them get protected and remain in service. The Special Educators Federation Kerala alleged that the accused teachers had organisational links and that complaints against one of them were ignored by authorities.It also claimed political influence may have helped them get postings at the Block Resource Centre and avoid scrutiny despite earlier concerns. Social media posters and news reports highlighting the teachers’ past organisational roles made the case move beyond a criminal investigation into a political fight.Opponents used those links to argue that the case exposed protection networks, while organisation leaders said the individuals had only been office bearers earlier and had no link to the alleged drug trade at that time. The teachers were arrested as part of an MDMA trafficking probe in Vadakara, and reports say investigators believe they acted as intermediaries in a wider network.The education department also dismissed at least two of the accused after the arrests, showing the case quickly became both a law-and-order and public-sector accountability issue.

A political row has erupted in Kozhikode over police action inside the Madakkara Juma Masjid near Vadakara, where officers entered during a clash between rival mosque factions and allegedly used lathis inside the prayer hall. The incident triggered criticism from the IUML and other UDF voices, while the mosque’s Mahallu Committee later backed the police and opposed disciplinary action against the officers.The controversy began when a long-running dispute over the mosque’s Khateeb and related financial issues flared up during Nabi Day celebrations. Police were called in after the confrontation escalated, and reports say some officers entered the mosque wearing boots while trying to restore order.IUML leaders accused the police of trespassing into the mosque, insulting worshippers, and using force without proper provocation.However, the Mahallu Committee defended the police and claimed some leaders were trying to disrupt religious proceedings for political reasons.

The NIT Calicut governing council nomination has become a political issue because the UDF’s choice of Lefeer Muhamed as one of the state government nominees drew criticism from the BJP and also sparked discomfort within parts of the Congress and IUML.The Kerala government can nominate two members to the NIT Calicut governing body, and under the UDF’s understanding, one seat went to the Congress and the other to the IUML.While the Congress nominated K. Ananda Mani, the IUML recommended Lefeer Muhamed of Ponnani.The BJP objected because Lefeer Muhamed had reportedly been questioned by Customs in 2021 in connection with the Kerala gold and dollar smuggling case.The party organized protests in Kozhikode and warned that it would intensify agitation if the nomination was not reconsidered. The issue has widened beyond the nomination itself, with district-level leaders in both Congress and IUML reportedly unhappy that a person from outside Kozhikode was chosen for a premier local institution.The nomination was also said to have been recommended after a suggestion from Ponnani MLA K. Noushad to Minister P. K. Kunhalikutty.

A Kozhikode police officer was assaulted by a man identified as Adith Joseph, a Kasaragod native living in Nellikode, and he was later arrested. Reports say the incident happened during a patrol near a beverages outlet in the Sarovaram area, where the officer and team were checking for public drinking, and the suspect allegedly grabbed and twisted the officer’s hand after an argument.The officer involved was Nadakkavu SI N. Leela, and the suspect allegedly leaned too close, threatened the officer, then forced the officer’s hand while resisting questioning.One report also says he allegedly blew smoke toward the officer’s face during the confrontation.Police arrested him soon after the incident and produced him before the court, where he was remanded in custody.Reports also say cases already existed against him at Nadakkavu and Town police stations.

The IUML has called for Kerala’s districts to be reorganised based on population, saying larger-population districts should receive proportionate administrative and resource support.P.M.A. Salam said the party is not asking for a district in one specific place, but for a statewide reorganisation driven by population figures. He argued that districts like Malappuram have far more people than smaller districts such as Pathanamthitta, yet receive similar district-level facilities and administrative structures.The party says the current structure can lead to unequal access to government services and resource allocation. Salam also said taluks should be reorganised in the same way, not just districts.